20-Minute Yoga for Hip Opening
The hips respond beautifully to patient, sustained attention. This 20-minute flow works through the hip flexors, outer rotators, and inner groin in a deliberate order, allowing each layer to release before the next is addressed.
Duration
20 minutes
Poses
13 poses
Goal
Hip Opening
The Flow
Janu Sirsasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backDandasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesAnjaneyasana
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back leg
Trikonasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Bhujangasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your belly with your legs extended, tops of your feet on the mat.
strengthens the spine and erector musclesMalasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8-10 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreUttanasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backPhalakasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisers
Virabhadrasana II
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesSupta Matsyendrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backAnanda Balasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
Savasana
3 min
Allow every muscle to soften completely. This is where the practice integrates.
promotes full recoveryQuick Reference
All 13 poses in this sequence, in order.
- 1Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 2Staff Pose1 min
- 3Crescent Lunge1 min
- 4Triangle Pose1 min
- 5Cobra Pose1 min
- 6Garland Pose1 min
- 7Warrior I1 min
- 8Standing Forward Fold1 min
- 9Plank Pose1 min
- 10Warrior II1-2 min
- 11Supine Spinal Twist1-2 min
- 12Happy Baby1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
